can i have a pci sound card, AND functional front panel audio connectors?

[Akagi]

I want to get a cheap(ish) sound card soon, probably an audigy or a xonar, to escape the horror of realtek 'hd' audio.

If I connect up the sound card with my 2.1 speaker system hooked up, will the front panel audio connectors become non-functional due to the different default sound device?

I use the front connectors for my headset

*edit* its not for the system below, I need to update the sig.

 

[PhillyDee]

As long as the card has a FP header, then it will be ok, you would need to disconnect from the motherboard and plug it into the card. My Xonar D2X does not have one (much to my surprise!).